Not everyone finds it easy to sympathise with Roberto Mancini when he laments the madness of juggling his jewels, but the Manchester City manager had a point when he complained about having to pick teams to play in the Premier League at Anfield and the Carling Cup at the Emirates within a mere 52 hours. There was more than a hint of mischief in the air, therefore, when it transpired that the only player capable of starting both fixtures was a certain Samir Nasri. What an astonishing coincidence.

Although Arsène Wenger had requested "respect", Nasri, pictured, was the focus of the customary jeers and a none-too complimentary reworking of the song with which he was once hailed. One of the players, Emmanuel Frimpong, felt compelled to have an exchange of views – described by an Arsenal spokesman as "handbags" – in the tunnel.

"You only went for the money," suggested the home fans. Did he really? That is the uncomfortable question that lurks below the cheap shots. Few neutrals would argue which squad is better placed for the prizes this season, and Nasri got to travel home with the winning team. But there is also an awkward question for Nasri to ask himself. A mainstay for his old club, he has started only four league games in almost three months for his new club.

He performed as if unaffected by being cast as pantomime villain. If his selection was a test of character it was one he passed, even if his game was not at its most creative. Mancini was not massively enthusiastic. Asked whether the commotion had affected his man, the Italian replied: "Maybe. I think that Nasri can play better."

Arsenal were intent on showing that the club Nasri left behind have a future. There were four very bright sparks who looked not in the least intimidated.

Frimpong chopped and chased in midfield; his partner, Francis Coquelin, was a ball-winner who prompted with intelligence; Ignasi Miquel filled in with a composed display at left-back; and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was full of verve and imagination. The 18‑year‑old winger has seen his Carling Cup experiences increase in difficulty (from Shrewsbury via Bolton to Manchester City) and here he gave an experienced defence a real headache. Arsenal will be hoping the City bench was not paying too much attention.

Mancini's men found it hard to make inroads against a team who looked noticably fresher. Assisting the kids were mature displays from, notably, Yossi Benayoun, Laurent Koscielny and, most notably, Sébastien Squillaci.

It is unlikely that Arsenal can keep up with the City juggernaut, for the precise reason that made Wenger acknowledge that it is no good building a team of youngsters and hoping they will not be plundered by the wealthy.

The message in Mancunian accents around the Highbury hostelries 90 minutes before kick-off was loud and clear: "Robin van Persie, he's gonna be blue." Those words encapsulated what seems inescapable about the different roads that these clubs are taking.

At the going rate for City's No19, the entire Arsenal first XI cost the same as Nasri plus a couple of extra toes (approximately £27m, all in). Fortunately football has a rich history of being illogical. For 83 minutes City were thoroughly tested and Costel Pantilimon was by the far the busier goalkeeper.

Logic prevailed, though, when Edin Dzeko and Adam Johnson combined on the break to tee up Sergio Agüero, whose finish was unerring. And the name City's fans chose to herald after the goal went in? Samir Nasri, of course.